Grapes and wines of NZ Flashcards
What climate does NZ have overall? Compare the North and South Islands
Overall a maritime climate
North Island is warmer
South Island is cool
What natural climatic factors exist in NZ, and what are their effect on grapes?
Long sunshine hours
Nights cooled by sea breezes
Long ripening period
Grapes reach high levels of sugar and flavour ripeness, while retaining high acidity.
Where are most of the vineyards located in the South Island?
To the east, where mountains in the centre protect from rain-bearing westerly winds
What is special about vine growing in NZ?
Enormous vigour: plentiful rainfall and fertile flat land leads to excessive shoot and leaf growth. NZ viticulturists have become experts in trellising and other canopy management techniques.
Describe the typical characteristics of NZ Sauvignon Blanc, and regions best known for it.
Pungent aromas: intense elderflower and passion fruit, high acidity.
North Island: more tropical fruit flavours.
South Island: more green bell pepper and gooseberry and higher acidity. E.g. Marlborough, Canterbury
Can be fermented in stainless steel vessels or oak vessels.
Compare Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere and Wairau Valleys
Awatere is drier, cooler and windier = higher acidity with pronounced herbaceous character (no tropical fruit flavours)
Wairau has long sunny days and is warmer = more tropical fruit characters.
Describe the typical characteristics of NZ Chardonnay, and regions best known for it.
Different winemaking techniques.
Generally tropical fruits, subtle hints of toast and sweet spice from French oak.
Regions = Auckland, Gisborne, Marlborough, Central Otago.
List aromatic/semi-aromatic varieties that are also notable, and why the climate suits them. Give notable regions.
Dry autumns, cool night temperatures ensure aromatic compounds develop completely before harvest. Dry to sweet styles, but off-dry is more prevalent.
Riesling = Canterbury (Waipara Valley), Marlborough, Central Otago
Pinot Gris = Gisborne (full-bodied), Marlborough, Nelson, Central Otago
Describe the typical characteristics of NZ Pinot Noir, with regions best known for it.
Vibrant fruit, fine ripe tannins, typically high alcohol, soft texture.
Central Otago (high alcohol), Martinborough (medium to full-bodied, dark plum and spice), Marlborough (medium-bodied, fine tannins, cherry and cranberry), Canterbury
List natural factors of Central Otago that contribute to its Pinot Noir style
Long hours of intense sunshine, wide diurnal range during growing season.
What blends are common in NZ? Where are the varieties best grown?
Bordeaux-style blends from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The former adds cassis.
Gimblett Gravels.
Describe typical characteristics of NZ Syrah, with regions best known for it.
Close in style to Northern Rhone Syrah i.e. more elegant styles.
Gimblett Gravels = premium examples.
Where is the warmest of the grape growing regions? Describe climate and vineyard sites.
Hawke’s Bay
Longest sunshine hours. Diverse soils and aspects/altitudes
Gimblett Gravels=parcel of well-drained heat-absorbing gravel soils on valley floor, ideal for black varieties.
Where would I find grapes suitable for traditional method sparkling wine?
Marlborough
Describe vineyard sites and characteristics (including risks) of Central Otago. What climate does Central Otago have?
Valleys with different aspects, soils, altitudes.
Continental climate with frost damage being a real risk in spring and autumn.
